July 6, 2013
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Out of Control
Some of us have the dangerous habit of letting our emotions run our lives. We tend to react to situations not with a rational attitude, but with our feelings. Sure, those emotions COME, but that doesn’t mean we have to give them control. We can CHOOSE. Yes. We really can. We can choose what we are going to let irritate us. We can decide NOT to be angry. We can determine not to be afraid. We can work with ourselves and with God’s help, decide we are not going to be pulled down. Yes, it is work. But, it is so worth it.
(Psalm 37:7-8 MSG) Quiet down before GOD, be prayerful before him. Don't bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top. Bridle your anger, trash your wrath, cool your pipes--it only makes things worse.
There are some people who have shut down emotionally. They do not react outwardly. They push their emotions down and do not acknowledge them. This is also a dangerous way to live. Eventually, those people are going to pop an artery or something! Better to deal with your emotions than to keep covering them. That can turn a person into a walking volcano! It will also take its toll on your health. It is better to be honest. It is better to admit, “This makes me angry.” We can own the emotion, but we do not have to let it rule over us.
(Proverbs 25:28 NLT) A person without self-control is like a city with broken-down walls.
Maybe you grew up in a family where everyone screamed, yelled and slammed doors when upset. Maybe you experienced verbal or physical abuse at the hand of an angry person. Maybe you grew up in a household where anger was shown by people giving each other “the silent treatment.” Maybe you saw people use drugs or alcohol to deal with problems of anger or stress.
Maybe you were taught to fear everything. Maybe the people in your early life reacted to situations by avoiding any confrontation. Living under fear’s influence can cripple you. It makes your world very small.
Or, it could be that you learned at an early age to take the blame for everything. You have such a victim mentality that you constantly apologize – as if you don’t deserve to breathe the air and take up space. Everything is your fault.
Perhaps what you experienced plenty of negativity. Maybe your family coped with life by blaming everybody else — the government, the church, the education system, etc. Accusing others instead of taking responsibility for our own issues is not a good way to go.
We are all shaped by what we have experienced in life. But, we do not have to let it have the final word in who we are. We have a choice. While we cannot change our past, we can certainly determine that we are going to make a better future for ourselves. One of the first steps we need to take is to own up to our feelings and then work to take back control. Honest. You can change the way you think. You can change how you react to life. You do not have to let your emotions define you.
(Proverbs 14:30 AMP) A calm and undisturbed mind and heart are the life and health of the body, but envy, jealousy, and wrath are like rottenness of the bones.
Many years ago, I ask God to take charge of my life. He taught me a new way to live. He is still teaching me! He has changed me so much. I have peace and joy without all the drama! I have a deep contentment. I do not have to REACT to everything. My emotions do not control me anymore.
What controls your life?
Comments (9)
AMEN! Life is nothing but choices and the wonder of God is that we have been given the power of choosing! Being human we often make bad choices the other side of the coin is that we are forgiven. Choices let us learn from mistakes and CHANGE the way we choose in the future. Wonderful message!!
I learned early to contain my emotions, have a bland looking face, and only make neutral replies--expressionless. Long story why. I finally exploded in a rage once at age 74. Yes, I have heart disease. It i would take too long to explain why, but I am doing a little better, but I am still a mental counter puncher---I react to those around me and never initiate anything. lolSurprisingly, I have had a good life thanks to Jesus, improved some, and one day will be set free. frank
It's often difficult to contain negative emotions, but if we can walk away, talk to Abba and then speak, it ends up much better. Good post.
God helped me by not making life ok but making me ok with life.
I like Jill's comment. There are a lot of things I'd like to change but there are also a lot more of good things. I still feel deeply about things. It would be easier not to. Have a great Sunday.
I can't say what controls my life. I think mostly it's all the voices in my head. Teachers, friends, family, everyone has left a little voice print in my mind. I listen to many of them at times. I choose my actions in part based on the things I have been taught, but also on my experiences, scripture, academic journals and sometimes even my gut feelings.When it comes to emotions and rage I reserve and direct all my rage in verbal form at my computer. Stoopid fricken piece of crap son of a dirty low down no good yellow bellied @#$%^&*. By my letting anger out on the inanimate object I can remain calm and collected when dealing with people.My wife usually sits quietly by and I know she is laughing to herself...Quiet contemplative prayer though is probably my greatest tool for balancing my actions with my emotions.
Good post and timely. I am hurting more than usual lately and my emotions are definitely in overload so I have to be careful how I act and what I say
@stephensmustang - I do understand how pain can influence you! I have a broken bit of my spine that is pressing on my spinal cord. Even with strong pain meds, it still hurts if I do too much walking or standing. I finally decided to get on a schedule for surgery. UGH. I also have had three artificial hips! You do need so much extra grace to stay sweet through the pain. Praying for you, my friend.
@DanishDoll - So appreciate the prayers. Praying for you as well.
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